Articles Archives - Page 339 of 405

Veterans’ Grants For Local Community Groups

February 2, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Local community groups can apply for Australian Government grants to support projects honouring Australia’s military history and personnel. The Nationals’ Member for Riverina and Minister for Small Business, Michael McCormack said any group could apply for grant funding towards activities that assisted the health and quality of life of veterans or commemorative projects that honoured our military history.

“The Coalition committed to providing $4 million over four years to support younger veterans. As a result, a new grants program – Supporting Younger Veterans – will be established to assist projects that seek to engage and actively involve our younger veterans. This program will start in the first quarter of the 2017–18 financial year.

Grants are available for: Saluting Their Service commemorations program in two categories, namely Community Commem- orative Grants and Major Commemorative Grants; The Veteran and Community Grants Program; The Building Excellence in Support and Training Program and The Grants-In-Aid Program (available to only national ESOs). For further information visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website www.dva.gov.au/consultation-and-grants/ grants or contact the Wagga Wagga elec- torate office.

Record Number Attend Bicycle Safety Program

January 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

There were puddles aplenty at the Forbes Netball courts on Tuesday, however thankfully the rain abated to allow a record number of bike enthusiasts to learn, develop and reinforce their bike riding skills.

Almost 40 children entered for the Forbes session of the Aboriginal Bicycle Safety Program, which was the last of a series of ten held throughout the Central West. Over 60 sessions were held in the whole of NSW.

The participants were excited but had to concentrate hard during the free session facilitated by Jenny and Damien Enderby of Bike and Fitness. They are both qualified Cycling Australia and AustCycle coaches. The three-hour session gave participants a fun, interactive learning experience teaching them to ride safely. The session is based on the Let’s Ride Program.

Depending on the age, the practical skills learned and reinforced included pedaling, gear changing, braking, hand signals and scanning (both forwards and behind). They also learned the importance of visibility while riding and safe places to ride.

A bike mechanic was also present to provide much needed maintenance on bicycles free of charge. Lachlan Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Logan Dobel said this was really important. The maintenance included the replacement of brakes, tyres and pedals.

All participants also received a new bike helmet. The helmet laws for cyclists of all ages in NSW help prevent head injuries from falls. The NSW Road Rules state that all cyclists, regardless of age, including children on bicycles with training wheels must wear a helmet.

By Dianne Collie

Snippets

January 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Graduation: Long time friends, Darcie Morrison and Jarred Tyack, graduated from the Charles Sturt University in December. Both received their Bachelor in Exercise and Sport Science degrees and will be furthering their studies this year. Jarred is moving back to Forbes to complete his Primary Teaching degree by distance while working at Forbes North Public School as a Teachers’ Aid. Darcie has been accepted for Honours in Sports Physiology after which she plans to complete her PhD. She is moving to Sydney to pursue sporting opportunities with the NSW and Australian Rugby 7’s programs whilst studying.

Support emergency services: Forbes residents are reminded to help raise much needed funds for local volunteer emergency services by grabbing a snag at Bunnings’ annual Aussie Day Weekend Fundraiser BBQ tomorrow. Visit Bunnings between 9am and 4pm to buy a snag or make a donation. Team members will be running sausage sizzles with support from local emergency services volunteers, with every cent raised going directly to support the NSW State Emergency Service. Family activities, fun games and entertainment will also be held throughout the day.

Bogan Gate morning tea: Bogan Gate CWA will be holding a diabetes awareness morning tea on Wednesday, 8th February at 9.30am at the Bogan Gate Memorial Hall. Dr Madhu Velagala, Diabetes Edu- cator, will be the guest speaker. Men and Women are invited to learn more about diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious complex condition which can affect the entire body. A representative from Diabetes NSW and two nurses will do blood checks at the event. Entry by gold coin donation. RSVP to Ros on 68641023 or 0415 665 925 by Monday, 6th February. Any enquiries to President Marion McIntyre on 0427 643 233.

Letter to the editor

January 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Dear Editor

The Forbes Shire Information Centre at the old railway station is an attraction where people can watch the passage of goods trains on the platform.

This is a subject of discussion with friends who visit Forbes and many tourists I have spoken to. It is a small link with our past and the advent of the rail link from Melbourne to Brisbane.

That is why I read with dismay a letter displayed at the Information Centre indicating Council has the intention of shutting the platform off to the public.

This seems to be an unnecessary and radical decision not taking into consideration how many tourists and locals enjoy being able to walk onto the platform.

If it is a matter of managing risk, surely a handrail at the edge of the platform with signage should be sufficient. Yours sincerely

Peter Bright
(letter shortened – editor)

Keeping New Year’s Resolutions

January 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The new year is a time to kick a bad habit or try something new. Usually resolutions are always the same: quit smoking, lose weight, eat healthier, take less medications… the list goes on. But why is it so hard to continue these resolutions through- out the year?

Support is the key! If you don’t have the support of someone close to you, friends or family member, to hold you accountable and to provide encouragement, many of your resolutions will remain just that.

At Flannery’s Pharmacy, we understand that keeping your resolution can be hard and we want to support you! We can help you feel healthier and happier and turn those resolutions into good habits!

Come in and chat to one of our friendly pharmacists or pharmacy nurse to discuss your personal health goals and to develop a plan for the year. Whether it be a discussion on how to quit smoking, lose weight or just to discuss your medication, we can help you.

To get you started we have made it super easy by having two available days in which we can dedicate our time to complete a free health check and personalise a plan to help you feel healthier and happier!

Our clinic days will be held on Wednesday, 1st February from 10am to 4pm and on Thursday, 16th February from 10am to 4pm. To book in call 6852 1111 or drop in and speak to one of our dedicated team members to discuss your free health plan today.

News On Rankin Has The Answer To Stress Free Shoppping

January 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Can you believe it’s time to get ready to go Back to School?

There is no need to stress as the team at News on Rankin will take every inch of stress out of your stationery shopping.

“We are fully equipped to ensure we meet the requirements for all local schools. We have stationery lists provided by all local primary and secondary schools,” said News on Rankin’s Gabe McMillan. “We want to ensure that our customers are not burdened with Back to School shopping so we really encourage you to call us and order. We’ll organise it for you – just let us know when you want to pick it up.”

The Rankin Street store is running its biggest ever Back To School Catalogue with super savings available on hundreds of line items, as well as the introduction of the SWEEK fashion stationery.

The staff made sure to have packs ready to go, so if you are around Forbes just call in to see the team. You might just be the lucky shopper who wins their spend back in full.

“Back to School shopping is a big financial expense for families and we’re super excited to give one lucky customer the chance to win their full spend back – how awesome is that?” said Gabe. “And Back to School savings don’t just stop with the school kids – businesses have the opportunity to take advantage of the massive savings too. See in store for more details today.”

Celebrate Poetry In Orange

January 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The annual Banjo Paterson Australian Poetry Festival takes place from 16th to 26th February in Orange with a full schedule of events ahead.

This will be the fourth festival in its current form since the celebration of his 150th birthday in 2014.

Banjo Paterson, who has become an Australian legend, is best known for his poem Waltzing Matilda, and what better way to celebrate his life than in the district he was born in.

Andrew Barton (Banjo) Paterson was born at Narrambla, Orange on 17th February 1864. He lived in Yeoval until he was about seven.The festival highlights not only Banjo Paterson but is an opportunity to celebrate all Australian poetry and poets in general.

The community will also have the opportunity to polish their poetry and musical entertainment skills. This is a perfect opportunity to show that Australian poetry is alive and well. The festival will showcase the very best suitable for all age groups.

There will be bush poetry, school performances, professional entertainers, markets, golf, barbecues and camp oven cooking. There will also be activities, such as retro fruit preserving, farmers markets, yabbing, poetry competitions, fashion, horse racing, historical tours and much more.

The event kicks off with breakfast in the mornings at different locations everyday from 7.30 to 9.30am for only $5.

The iconic Night Market in Orange will be held on Friday, 17th February. There will be over 30 stalls creating an outdoor playground in beautiful Robertson Park for all the family. Orange’s renowned cool climate wines are matched at each stall with delicious food from local chefs, caterers and cooks. Kick back to the sounds of local music and poetry in the park! The market will be from 5.30pm to 8.30pm at Robertson Park. Gold Coin donation for entry.

To view the festival program or to get more information on the festival go to
https:// brandorange.com.au/orange-nsw/banjo- paterson-festival/

For The Love Of Elvis

January 19, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Whilst a record-breaking 25,000 fans congregated in Parkes for the 25th Elvis Festival, Forbes also hosted events to complement the festivities. Forbes Shire Council provided a bus service between Forbes and Parkes, run by Cenwestours, for residents and visitors to
attend the festival. Over five days almost 1,000 people were transported in two buses in more than 56 trips covering more than 2,600km.

When the Phoenix caught up with the 1.00 pm shuttle service on Saturday there were no spare seats and the atmosphere was certainly electric. Forbes Shire Council’s Director of Tourism, Community and Cultural Development, Richard Morgan, said the Parkes Elvis Festival had a very positive impact on Forbes. “During the Elvis Festival just about every bed available was occupied.” Bill and Kirsten of Kosmik Country Duo hosted Elvis Karoake at the Forbes Services Memorial Club where a crowd of nearly 60 sang their hearts out to their
favourite Elvis songs including ‘All Shook Up’, ‘Suspicious Minds’, and nobody could ask ‘Are you Lonesome Tonight?’

The Forbes Youth & Community Centre joined the fun and Spectacular Screening showed the theme movie of the Parkes Elvis Festival, the 1964 Elvis film Viva Las Vegas to mostly Forbes locals. The Phoenix caught up with Ray Beacroft who is Ray of Elvis after his final show at the Forbes Golf and Sportsman Club. “Forbes is close to my heart,” said Ray, “My wife and I lived here from 1988 to 1992 and our daughter was born here.” As a child Ray dreamed of singing Elvis songs and being a tribute artist. As he got older he enjoyed attending the Elvis Festival in Parkes and it was there he was encouraged to take the plunge so to speak….and the rest is history. “I really want to pay tribute to Elvis,” said Ray and the crowd all agreed that he most certainly did.

By Dianne Collie

New MP Will Be In Forbes Every Month

January 19, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The irresistible smell of a barbeque on Wednesday led to the Forbes Town Hall where recently elected Orange MP, Philip Donato, alternated between being chef and chatting with Forbes locals. “I want my constituents to know I am accessible and approachable,” said Philip of the Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers party. “I definitely don’t want anyone to think I am aloof or that I don’t listen. Basically, what
you see is what you get.”

Philip plans to visit constituents in Forbes on a monthly basis and invite anyone wishing to meet with him to organise an appointment. He will be back in Forbes on Tuesday 14th March, 16th May, 6th June, 15th August, 3rd October, 7th November and 5th December at the Forbes Shire Council. To make an appointment contact his office on 6362 5199. Philip told the Phoenix that life was very different as an MP as opposed to being a police prosecutor, which he recently resigned from. “I organise my own timetable. It is important for me to allocate time to listen to my constituents’ ideas and concerns,” he said.

Philip was in Orange yesterday and will meet constituents in Parkes today.

By Dianne Collie

Mayoral Notes…

January 19, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

From all reports the Parkes Elvis Festival was a great success and our accommodation providers were fully booked giving Forbes a great economic boost during the festival. The shuttle bus service Council provided through Cenwestours was very popular with almost 1,000 people using the service over 56 trips, two buses and more than 2,600km driven. Forbes also had some wonderful Elvis events for residents
and visitors with the screening of Viva Las Vegas at the Youth and Community Centre, Elvis karaoke at the Forbes Services Memorial Club and Elvis tribute artist Ray of Elvis at the Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel.

Last Thursday, Minister for Justice and Police Troy Grant, announced $128,430 in funding for the Forbes SES Unit for a new shed and hard-stand area to support sandbagging operations and training. During times of flood, this will mean sandbagging can continue during wet weather and into the night. Already the SES do such a wonderful job along with the community members who volunteer to help sandbag in times of emergencies, but this funding will help our community be even more prepared.

Australia Day is on Thursday and I am looking forward to welcoming our Ambassador, Sandra Bates, to Forbes. We have received a number of nominations for the Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year and Forbes Shire Young Citizen of the Year and the recipients will be announced during the official ceremony from 7pm at Frogs Hollow. I look forward to seeing you all at the various Australia Day celebrations.

Mayor Graeme Miller

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